To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what guidance has been given to local authorities on the processing of personal data outside the European Economic Area, either directly or via contractors. (182594)

It is the responsibility of local authorities to seek their own advice, including advice from the Information Commissioner and his website, regarding their legitimate processing of personal data. The Information Commissioner provides detailed guidance on the processing of personal data outside the European Economic Area, either directly or via contractors, in two pieces of guidance on his website: ‘International Transfers of Personal Data’

http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/data_ protection/practical_application/generic_guidance_ international_transfers_v2.pdf

and ‘The Eighth Data Protection Principle and international data transfers’

http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/data_ protection/detailed_specialist_guides/international_ transfers_legal_guidance_v2.0_300606.pdf

The Department does not directly provide guidance to local authorities on issues concerning the Data Protection Act 1998.